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Sen and sensibility

FASHION Nakul Sen has created a line specially for Chennai which includes dresses and saris that are not over-the-top

ELEGANT SHEENA model in a Nakul Sen creation

Many moons ago, Nakul Sen roamed the streets of Paris and Milan knocking on the doors of several fashion houses with a suitcase of India-inspired Western silhouettes painstakingly created by him. Today, the sun shines bright on his turf and he has trendsetting boutiques across Europe seeking him out to stack their racks with his sequinned sculptural gowns! The designer who showcases his latest line in Chennai at Evoluzione, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, today, speaks about his work…

GLAMOUR AND GOWNS From the beginning, gowns have been my strength. For Chennai though, I’ve created a line that includes dresses and saris. The line is wearable and I’ve been cautious about not going over-the-top with my creations. Iridescent chiffons and subtle bling are a highlight. The colour palette moves from black, gold and white-gold combination to jewel tones.

INDIAN TOUCH When I entered the fashionbiz 15 years ago, I was fascinated by Western silhouettes, particularly the gown. After school, I worked in the theatre circuit in New York for three years designing costumes for various productions. When I decided to turn designer I went to Europe and approached several fashion houses with my creations. The initial years were full of ups and downs. When I gradually gained acceptance, I moved back to New Delhi and started domestic retail. What worked for me internationally was that inimitable Indian touch I gave Western silhouettes. My clothes are now available in stores across India as well as in Spain, Italy and Greece.

SEQUINS AND ME Yes, sequins are my speciality. It’s an old form of embellishment. But I’ve tried different application techniques to give a fresh look to the shimmer. You can call it ‘Westernisation of sequins.’ The trick lies in turning things around a bit!

FASHION WEEKS I show my creations at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week regularly. I also participate in pageants abroad. It’s challenging to work on something fresh every season. But at the same time, the demand for a new line is the biggest creative spur. I always keep in mind the saleability factor. I’m particular about the cuts and the necklines. When I design for my foreign clients, the styles are less conventional.

BOOM TIME It’s a great time to be in the Indian fashion scene. There is a democratic explosion of fashion and awareness is great so much so designers are fanning outside major metros to make the retail presence felt even in places like Raipur and Nagpur.